How did I fall in love with him? Very fast and the feeling was mutual! Are we really thinking about the same thing? To make the whole story of this torrid love affair more clear, I must go back in time to 2015. It was a rough year in my life because of many duties at work, which I didn’t really like too much, as well as because of some twists in my private life. I was looking for some forms of relaxation and some ways to get free from my everyday life … and in this way, day after day, my life was moving on.
It was a gloomy November afternoon, I finished work and I was on my way home, suffering from a terrible headache and a general apathy … I noticed him, and his short encouraging glance from behind covered with little raindrops glass. Something at the back of my head kept telling me that I couldn’t ignore him, as I would regret it until the end of my life. While entering the tiny newsagent’s, I felt a kind of magic … I stood in front of the one who attracted me to this place like a magnet … you can never ignore this kind of chemistry! I took it into my hand and I started frantically turning the pages … I already knew that was it! It was the first volume of a series of books by Nicholas Sparks, which was published by one of the Polish publishing houses – Albatros. It turned to be ‘The Notebook’, whose film adaptation I had had a chance to see before … so I had a thought, why not? And in this way I got to know Nicholas Sparks … maybe not in person, but through his work, which is really incredible.
At the moment I’ve got 19 of his books, out of which I’ve already read 17. Many of Spark’s novels have been put to the big screen and have occurred to be great movies. As every author, he’s got better and worse books, however a vast majority of them can be truly recommended. Today, I’ll try to focus on a few titles, which have just stolen my heart.
- The Best Of Me (2011)
The main characters of this moving novel are Dawson Cole and Amanda Collier. It’s a story of a young couple, which was forced to split up under the pressure of family and society. Dawson Cole – coming from the worst family in the neighborhood, which has been causing problems for years and which has been a source of fear in the community, carries the stigma of an outcast, a guy who is unsuitable for girls coming from so called good families. Despite the fact that unlike his family members he doesn’t belong to the underworld of crime, his life hasn’t been a bed of roses. Amanda Collier – a girl coming from a powerful and rich family, who wants to experience the love of her life. In spite of all these differences both of them felt great affection towards each other, which despite social differences and completely different upbringing, was deep and honest. Unfortunately, due to all this disapproval which had accompanied them at every turn, they parted their ways for many years. Former lovers meet again while being in their forties at a funeral of their mutual friend, who used to be Dawson’s caretaker. Each of them carries certain burden on their shoulders, a sort of unspeakable suffering. Amanda, an unfulfilled in marriage wife, who has to face her husband, a man who abuses alcohol. A mother of four, out of which one died at an early age. This tragic event has taken its toll on the life of a seemingly decent and happy family. Dawson, who as a young man made a serious mistake and killed a man by accident, cannot come to terms with his past. He decides to live far from people, carrying the burden of his past mistakes. Will this meeting change their lives? Will their old feelings revive? Will real love win in the end? In the film adaptation the starring roles are played by Michelle Monaghan and James Marsden.
- The Lucky One (2008)
This novel presents an incredible persistence of a young soldier Logan Thibault, who in a miraculous way avoided death in Iraq. This brave man feels that he has his own guardian angel – a woman, whose picture he found in sands of the desert, where he took part in military exercises. On impulse, which was a sudden death of his friend, Logan decides to find this mysterious woman, whose photo has become a sort of talisman for him, especially in difficult moments of his life. Thibault starts his long journey through the country together with his faithful companion – German shepherd – Zeus. He finds the stranger from the picture in the North Carolina. Beth turns to be a divorcée, a single mother who tries to bring up her ten years old son Ben. While living with her ex-husband in a small town, she can never truly get rid of him. Keith, who cannot accept being left by his wife, tries to make her life as miserable as it’s possible. Her everyday life is filled with work and helping her granny, with whom she lives in an old house. Logan, who becomes Beth and Nana’s worker, starts slowly falling in love with the woman he was looking for. At the beginning, she isn’t aware of the true reasons of a handsome stranger’s arrival in her settled life. Will their love overcome all the problems which they will have to face? Will Logan reveal all the truth about his past to Beth? Will Keith come to terms with his defeat? In the film adaptation the starring roles are played by Taylor Schilling and Zac Efron.
- A Bend in the Road (2001)
Life can write stories, which sometimes seem to be unreal, and yet this story is a great food for reflection on what is good and what is wrong. Can we always see the world in black-and-white? This story starts with a tragic accident, which has an enormous impact on Miles Ryan’s life, as well as on his son Jonah. Miles, a small town sheriff, tries to lead a normal life and to bring his ten years old son well. However, since the moment of the accident he cannot get rid of his obsession, which has overpowered him like an ivy and has taken away his true happiness. His main aim is to find a man whose car hit his beloved wife Missy, and who left the scene of accident. In spite of the fact that it’s been two years since his big loss, Ryan cannot come to terms with his past. He tries to focus mainly on work and his son. He seems not to need a new woman in his life. Sara Andrews, a teacher and a divorcée, who tries to find her new place in the world after a difficult divorce, moves into a small town. In an unexpected way, the paths of these two – severely affected by life people – have crossed. This triggers a series of dramatic events. Will love help them deal with their past? Will the tragic truth, which suddenly comes out, destroy their future happiness? Will loyalty and trust to a partner overcome the odds? This book hasn’t been adapted into a movie yet, but I hope that one day I’ll have a chance to see it on a big silver screen.
- Safe Haven (2010)
Can you always escape from your past? What if you are forced to leave everything you know to break free from a husband who is a real tyrant? Katie comes to a small coastal town in the south of the USA. The locals keep wondering what made this strange woman come to Southport and what kind of secrets she holds. Despite the fact she is very beautiful, she tries to be inconspicuous and she keeps out of sight. She finds a job in a restaurant, which helps her to be independent in a new place of living. Everything changes when she meets a charming and caring man – Alex, who also carries his burden. This young widower, together with his two kids, slowly wins Katie’s heart, who involuntarily engages in the life of this family. Will she be able to forget her past? Will the change of look and the change of identity be enough to get free from her brutal husband – cop? Will Katie resign from her love to stay safe? What if the obsession of a hurt man leads to tragic events, which will change the lives of these two forever? In the film adaptation the starring roles are played by Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel.
- The Guardian (2003)
Will losing her husband at the age of 25 change her life forever? Julie Barenson needs to find herself after losing her beloved man. In his farewell letter he promises her to always watch over her. Besides the letter, the woman receives one more present from her departed husband – Great Dane – which 
turns to be her real guardian angel. Despite being not too pretty, the dog becomes Julie’s best friend. After a few years, from the time when her beloved husband died, she decides to start dating guys to find a new love and a man with whom she could share her life. She soon meets Richard – a handsome gentleman, who makes a good impression on that hungry of love woman … however, her faithful companion – Great Dane – doesn’t accept Julie’s new admirer. Surprisingly, Singer is just fond of Mike who was her husband’s good friend. He is secretly in love with Julie, but he doesn’t know how to tell her about that. With time Julie starts noticing Richard’s character traits, which she doesn’t approve of. In consequence she decides to break up with her boyfriend. Will Julie be ready to face an emotionally disturbed man, who cannot come to terms with the pain of rejection? Will Singer protect his owner? Will Mike find enough courage to confess his real feelings to Julie? I hope that this book will also be adapted into a movie one day.
Nicholas Sparks is one of the authors who has stolen my heart. Getting to know his works, is so far the only romance, which has shown me so many different shades of love, as well as the ways in which to deal with difficult moments in our lives. I hope that if you haven’t had a chance to read any of his books yet, after reading this article you’ll decide to pick one of them.
See you around!
Yours,
Passion Piece
Cover photo by Jared Sluyter on Unsplash
I normally don't read Nicholas Sparks as I always skip the reading to watching the movies for his books. I think the only book that I had a chance to read is A Walk To Remember, but I think when it comes to romance, I like it better in the movies. I love the kind of book that provides humor and some historical story like what Jonas Jonasson write in his pieces. However, thank you so much for mentioning The Guardian since I've never heard about this one, and I think I'm gonna like it as apart from romance, there's a dog involved. Sounds like something that I'm gonna like! :)
Thank you very much for your valuable comment. Of course, besides Nicholas Sparks I also read other authors. I also love crime and detective stories. :)
I've actually never read a Nicholas Sparks book, or seen any of the movies! lol I do love to read though, so maybe after I finish the series I'm currently reading, I'll pull a couple from your list!
You should definitely read a book first then watch a movie! :)
Ah Yes...Love Nicholas Sparks' books. I LOVE the books, The Notebook and The Lucky One. Two of my favorite movies too. He's an amazing writer.
Yes, he's an amazing writer! The Lucky One is also one of my favourites. :)
Nicholas Sparks novels are so good, they make you believe that true love exists!
I hope that true love doesn't only exist in his books! :)
Im JUST getting back into reading books. My new KOBO arrives today. Excited to check some of these out!
I'll have some more time to read books soon! Can't wait to grab something new. :)
I loved this post! I used to love reading Nicholas Sparks and had a bookcase with all of his books. They would make me cry worse than the movies! Now I want to read those books again!
He can write really moving novels, can't wait for one of his new books this autumn. :)
I usually don't read Nicholas Sparks but this summer I definitely need some beach reads...I always watch the movies they make of his books though! These make for great lazy summer day reads and literary escapes (-:
Definitely his books are great for lazy summer days, I think that I've read most of them at that time! :)
I've never read a Nicolas Sparks book, or seen a movie but might actually pick one up sometime soon! Thank you for sharing! xxxx www.thevolcanicveins.com
You should check them out, they're really worth it! :)
I've never read his books but I've definitely seen some movies. Maybe I should also start reading the books!
Some books are much better than movies, as you can't show all the plot in a short film. :)
I haven't read these yet. I am now eager to pick them up.
Hope you'll enjoy reading his books. :)
Haven't read Nicholas Sparks either, but I'm familiar with the movie titles. Your book insights are interesting.
Hope I've managed to encourage you to pick one of his books. :)
I love your intro to this post! It's been several years since I read any of his books, but they were always really good!
I'm glad you enjoyed reading my intro ... and yes most of his books are really good! :)
My daughter and I love Nicholas Sparks books and movies. We always read the book first, then th emovie.
I think it's better to read a book first as it contains much more details than movies. :)
Great post! I enjoyed reading it
Glad to hear that! :)
I love these books! They're so good to read on a rainy day in.
Yes, they're best on rainy days! :)
I have not read any of his books, yet. Although, I do enjoy the movies inspired by them!
You should read some of his novels in your free time ... I bet you'd enjoy them. :)
The Notebook was such great read for me so I'm just assuming anything he writes has to be at least half as good, right? And the movies are great too altough they really don't grasp at the surface of the book in terms of content!
The Notebook was nice, but I think that Sparks has a few better novels in store. :) I agree, books are more detailed and it's better to read them before watching a movie. :)
Love Nicholas Sparks! Though I must admit I've only read three of his books and mostly just watched the movies. The Notebook will always be one of my favorites.
I hope you'll find some time to read more of his books! I'm waiting for the new one, which will be released this autumn. :)
I haven't read any of these but I've seen the movies! The stories are beautiful :)
He writes a kind of novels which make good films too! :)
I love reading Sparks's books. Especially loved safe haven and the Notebook
Safe haven occurred to be a great book, I even liked it more than a movie. :)
I love every novel that Nicholas Sparks had written. I makes me fall in love and be more inspired everyday. True love does exist.
I love your comment ... and I do hope that true love really exists. :)
Awe this was so cute and Nicolas Sparks are the most romantic tear jerkers ever! Get the tissues ready!
That's true, I always cry a little bit while reading his books! :)
What great books. I’ve only seen the movies they’ve made but they’re such good stories.
You should check out his books too! They're often much better than the movies! :)
I LOVE Nicholas Sparks' books! I have a few on my to-read list now!
I hope you'll enjoy reading them! :)
I am a total sucker for a good love story! I love to read and be taken into the story! Nicolas Sparks is one of my favorite authors! xo - Kam
His books are so thick and sometimes I just need few days to read them all! :)
Love Nicolas Sparks! The best of me is one of my favs! And obviously the notebook! Enjoyed reading this!
I'm glad you enjoyed reading this article. The best of me is such a moving novel! :)
I love the way you put this post together. I'm not a huge fan of romance, but your passion comes through in your writing.
I'm so happy you noticed passion in my writing. :)
This is such a sweet story. I want to read this. Thanks for sharing.
I'm glad you enjoyed reading this story! :)
Aw... Very romantic and sweet. Think Ia m falling in love with your story.
I'm glad you enjoyed reading my book romance story. :)
The funny thing is that my husband and I almost saw The Notebook on our first date. We were just looking for something to do because I could never drag him to a (chick) movie like that now. I've got to check out some Nicholas Spark's work because I've heard of him, but haven't read much.
That's a very romantic story! ;) Hope you'll enjoy reading his novels! He's an awesome writer. :)
I've heard read any of Nicholas Sparks before but I watched the movies. I'll have to get one of his books and check it out.
Hope you'll have a chance to read some of his books, as they're really awesome. :)
I've haven't read any of Nicholas Sparks books, I know he has a lot of them, but I watched the movies. I'll have to get one of his books and check it out.
Movies are great, but not as good as his books. Hope you'll find some time to read at least some of his novels. :)
I am glad that you have so much passion in reading! Nicholas Sparks and his books seem pretty good. I like how he talks about realistic life situations and how different people deal with them.
I also don't see his books as just love stories, but as complex stories presenting more important problems. :)